wishinginWA

MOMMASONJ-

I totally agree with Clynn. I started exercising (walking) the day after surgery. It's still about the amount of calories in vs calories used.

I've stalking some other bandsters sites and the weight loss numbers seem to be all over the chart.

Connie

Hey,

I found out about the OCC on March 4, and was on the table for sugery on March 22, 2007. It was very fast but I was oh so ready. The best thing I've ever done for myself!!

Good Luck-Connie

Hey,

Is there anyone for Northeast WA? Near Spokane or North?

Hey dreamhappy07,

I had surgery on March 22, 07 and once I got on solid food I haven't had any problems (BM). This is what I do, in the mornings I make a protien smoothie and add 1/8cup ground flex seed and 1/8c oatmeal. That's really good. I don't know if that the cure but you might try it, also LOTS of water.

Good Luck and congrads on #45!!!

Connie

Lori-

65 inches is amazing-Just think what you will do now that you can exercise!!! You are my HERO >

Connie

Hi,

I couldn't agree with you guys more. When reading the posts I see very few people who are talking about regular exercise , very sad. I think the exercise will be keeps all of us at our desired weight (once we get there, J.K.) I also read about some with BM problems; I also think the exercise and water are key to keepin' the pipes clear.

Thanks for helping with the motivation. We all need a kick in the pants sometimes.

Help!

I am being banded next Thursday (the 21st) and was going to pay part of the fee with my Healthcare Flexible Spending Card, but found out that the clinic does not take credit cards at all. (who in this day and age doesn't take credit cards?!) They said to pay through PayPal, but because PayPal is not a medical facility, I cannot use my card.

Has anyone had any experience with using a healthcare flexible spending account for the lapband surgery? Carolyn said I can pay up front and then file with my flexible spending and get reimbursed. I'm having to scramble for the up front money, because I was counting on just using my card, (just had to pay $1000 for a dental crown...ouch) but has anyone filed their surgery on their flexible spending account? Are there any issues with the surgery being done outside the US that would make it ineligible? I have looked at all the IRS info on allowable medical expense deductions and cannot find anything about it.

I would appreciate any insight!

The good news is that with the new medical deduction guidelines, if you are obese, treatment specifically for obesity, even a health club membership, is deductible if it is prescribed by a doctor!

Thanks!!!

Hey,

I used part of Flexible Spending on my Lap Band surgery. I took out a credit card advance to pay the clinic. When I turn in my reciept to be reimbursed I had to have a letter from the doctor at the clinic why I needed surgery(which seemed crazy to me-well dah I'm to fat). So, my advice is to get a letter while your at the clinic to turn in for surgery reimbursement.

Good Luck

FYI- I'm Still thrilled with the medical care I received

Connie

*********UPDATE*********

I had been given misinformation the about the cost of the airport shuttle to the motel - they charge $50 EACH WAY not round trip. As always, please call the hotel to verify all information is up to date as rates change depending on season and vacancy

The direct number to America's Best Value Inn is 619-690-2633, the name of the front desk supervisor is Mary Quintana.

Sorry about that! Here is a link to their website: America's Best Value Inn San Diego

Well here's my two cents the hotel is pretty dumping, the van they sent to go to TJ that wasn't big enought to take all the people who had medical appts (the hotel picked me up from the airport in a larger van), My driver couldn't find the clinic we had to stop 3 different times for directions.

Mary was very rude to me at check. I had made my reservation with Mary and was quoted a price with hotel and transportation and Mary said get quoted the weekly rate. But, I had only ever made a reservation for one night and faxed a copy of my flight arrangement the day I scheduled. At one point she said she would cancel my return transportation to the airport. After much pain and suffering Mary finally honored the Rate of $116.77 for hotel and transportation.

Very unhappy in Washington.

Connie

Hi. I was aondering if anyone has stayed at the Best Value Inn in San diego, the hotel that Lori told us about. I have reservations to stay there in May when I go for my fill. I would like to know you've stayed there and if you felt safe and if its in a decent area. I'll be traveling alone so I just want to feel safe and I'm beginning to have seconds thoughts about staying there.

I've made a reservation for May 8th I'll let you know.

I eat wayyyyyy less than I did pre=band almost 1 year ago. I have ONLY lost 30 lbs. This really depresses me. You would think that reading all of these great stories, I would be inspired. One website I go on to shows before and after photos. Everyone there looks great. Which bums me out even more....................and out comes the ice cream sandwiches.................LOL

HELP!!!!

Dear Jennifer,

Have you been exercising or are you able to? I'm a Newbie but it seems like the exercise is pretty key? I got my fingers crossed for you. Good Luck!

Here is a deal for Dr. Ortiz patients flying into the San Diego airport for a fill and wanting to stay overnight. The shuttle service from the airport to the hotel is $50 (round trip) and then you get freeeeeee shuttle service to the clinic and back. The hotel has great rates (currently King size bed with kitchenette (microwave & frig.) - $71.77 includes taxes or 2 beds with kitchenette (microwave & frig) - $77.29 includes taxes) Make sure you mention Dr. Ortiz!

Here's the website: America's Best Value Inn San Ysidro Here's their direct number 619-690-2633

To be honest, I have never been to this hotel so I don't know much about it, so if anybody stays there please come back and write a review But they are offering a nice rate and include the free shuttle service to all the TJ Medical clinics so I wanted to let you guys know about it!

I called today and made a reservation for May 8, 2007 at this hotel (being a patient of Dr. Ortiz) and Mary quoted me even a better deal. Mary quoted $89 plus tax for one night hotel and transportation from the airport/hotel/clinic and return. SWEET =D>

IF YOU TELL THEM PAM NELSEN SENT YOU, I'LL GET 25.00 OFF MY NEXT FILL AND I'D APPRECIATE IT

http://www.northwestfills.com/

IF YOUR GOING THERE THIS WEEK, I KNOW MY FRIEND SANDY NEEDS A FILL AND I TOLD HER I'D GO UP WITH HER BEING IT'S SPRING BREAK

So, since you've already been to this fill center can you give me some insite. How was it? Any problems finding your port? How many cc did you get? Was it scarey? I was banded on March 22, 2007 in Tijuana.

Boy am I embarrassed ! I had the impression you could get fills in one month. Guess I need to wait until the end of May or beginning of June. :-?

I was watching the news last night and there was a story on lapbands. =D> We have a new Dr. His name is Dr. Trotter. I spoke with his office and he will do aftercare and fills for patients who've had their bands placed elsewhere.. I forgot to ask of cost. You can contact him by the following.

Valley Outpatient Surgery Center

1414 N. Houk Rd, Suite 204

Spokane, WA 99216

p: 509-922-0362 or you can call Lori at his office 344-3100

I went to a seminar that this facility on Friday, I liked him and if he would do after care producures that would be great. His price for the lap band and a year follow up care is $17,000. I will go to Mexico for the procedure so it would be great to have the fills done closer to home. Thank for the post.